DEREK RAPP

Derek Rapp is a distinguished Managing Director at RiverVest Venture Partners, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of life sciences innovation. With a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, Mr. Rapp is instrumental in identifying and supporting groundbreaking early-stage companies within the biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors. His investment philosophy is rooted in a commitment to advancing novel therapies and technologies that address significant unmet medical needs.

At RiverVest, Derek Rapp leverages his extensive operational and executive experience to guide portfolio companies through critical development stages. He is particularly focused on opportunities that demonstrate strong scientific fundamentals, clear clinical pathways, and the potential for transformative impact. His work involves not only capital allocation but also providing strategic mentorship, drawing on his decades of leadership in the pharmaceutical industry to help entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges and achieve commercial success.

Before joining RiverVest in 2017, Mr. Rapp built an impressive career marked by significant leadership positions at major pharmaceutical and medical technology companies. He served as President and CEO of Eisai Inc., the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., where he was responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations. Prior to Eisai, he spent two decades at Eli Lilly and Company, holding various senior roles, including Vice President of Neuroscience and General Manager of the company's operations in Brazil. His diverse experience also includes a tenure as President and CEO of Terumo Medical Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Terumo Corporation, a global leader in medical devices. This rich background provides him with a unique perspective on the entire lifecycle of healthcare products, from research and development to commercialization and market access.

Derek Rapp's career is underpinned by a strong educational foundation, holding an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. This blend of scientific knowledge and business acumen makes him a highly effective investor and advisor in the competitive life sciences venture capital landscape. While specific individual investments are often proprietary, his work at RiverVest consistently involves backing innovative companies poised to make a substantial difference in patient care and medical advancement.